On 27 February 2026, partners of the Green4HEAT project gathered for an interregional online workshop dedicated to analysing the potential of waste heat as part of the project’s thematic studies and analyses activities. The workshop was led by Riga Technical University in cooperation with the Vidzeme Planning Region.
The meeting focused on identifying policy drivers for introducing circular economy concepts in heating and cooling systems, with particular attention to the use of waste heat from industrial processes, data centres, and other urban energy sources.
Waste heat – thermal energy generated as a by-product of industrial or commercial processes – is often released into the environment without being utilised. However, when integrated into district heating systems, this energy can become a valuable local resource that reduces fossil fuel use, improves energy efficiency, and contributes to climate neutrality goals.
A methodology for analysing waste heat potential
To support the exchange between regions, Riga Technical University together with Vidzeme Planning Region developed a methodology that enables project partners to systematically analyse waste heat potential in their territories. The methodology provides a structured approach for collecting and comparing data, evaluating technical and economic conditions, and identifying policy factors that influence the integration of waste heat into district heating and cooling systems.
Before the workshop, Green4HEAT partners collected information about waste heat solutions in their regions using a common questionnaire and presentation template. During the meeting, these case studies were presented and discussed, allowing participants to compare experiences and identify solutions that could be transferred to other territories.
Examples from partner regions
One of the examples presented during the workshop came from Belgium, where excess heat from the Agfa-Gevaert industrial site is reused to supply nearby homes and businesses through a district heating network. The project, known as Warmte Verzilverd, captures heat generated during industrial production processes and distributes it to the surrounding urban area. Thanks to the factory’s location in a densely populated neighbourhood, the system already supplies sustainable heating to 158 residential connections and five businesses.
Another example highlighted the growing role of digital infrastructure in local energy systems. In Latvia, waste heat from the TET data centre in Salaspils is planned to be recovered and integrated into the local district heating network operated by district heating company “Salaspils Siltums”. The system could provide around 2 MW of heating capacity, supplying heat to up to 400 private houses or approximately 1,000 apartments, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels in the local heating system.
Partners from other Green4HEAT regions also shared their experiences. In Poland, the EcoGenerator waste-to-energy plant in Szczecin has implemented a waste heat recovery installation that captures heat from exhaust gases and feeds it into the municipal district heating network.
In Slovenia, waste heat from the steel production facility SIJ Metal Ravne has been integrated into the district heating system of Ravne na Koroškem, covering a significant share of the city’s heat demand and demonstrating the benefits of cooperation between industry and local energy providers.
Additional examples from Greece and Hungary illustrated both the opportunities and challenges of integrating waste heat into energy systems, including biogas-based heat utilisation projects and industrial waste heat reuse within manufacturing processes.
Meanwhile, Lithuania emphasised the importance of developing clear policy frameworks, waste heat mapping tools, and national registries of potential heat sources to support wider deployment of such solutions.
Supporting future policy development
The discussions highlighted common challenges across regions, including regulatory barriers, investment risks, and the need for stronger cooperation between municipalities, industry, and district heating operators.
The insights gathered during the workshop will contribute to the development of policy guidelines, which will be prepared by Riga Technical University and Vidzeme Planning Region based on the methodology and the information collected from partner regions.
These guidelines will support regional and local authorities in creating favourable conditions for waste heat integration and help accelerate the transition towards more efficient, circular and climate-friendly heating and cooling systems across Europe.
